Jacks still learning as team continues transition process in NAHL

Published 6:45 pm, Thursday, September 22, 2011

The start to the Northern American Hockey League season was probably not what the new-look Odessa Jackalopes were expecting.

But it's also part of the transition process for players, coaches and management as the Jacks make their way from a successful professional franchise to a junior league hockey team.

The Jacks finished 0-3-1 at last week's North American Hockey League Showcase tournament in Blaine, Minn., but forward Sheldon Taylor said a championship is not won in the first weekend.

"That showcase was the first time we've all played games together and we looked at is as experience," said Taylor, a Michigan native, who scored three goals in four games last week. "We did have a rough weekend but nobody every won the whole thing the first week of the season."

What the showcase did do though was allow both the players and coaches to know what they need to work as the season progresses. Taylor said the team worked on special teams -- power play and penalty killing -- which was something the Jacks struggled with last week.

Over the four games, the Jackalopes did not score on the power play, while their opponents scored four in the four games. Plus, Odessa gave up two shorthanded goals in those games.

"We've had a big special teams week, and hopefully it shows up this weekend," Taylor said.

Beyond the work on the ice, Taylor and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck said their transition to Odessa and a new coaching staff has gone smooth. Both said the team has adapted to coach Paul Gillis' style and what is expected of players, and have been more than happy with how the franchise has treated them.

"Coming down here, with the new coaches we didn't know what we were getting into," Taylor said. "But the minute we got here, (coach Gillis) made us feel very comfortable. He's a great guy, and he's a real professional coach. They treat us like pros here because whenever we need something we can get it. If you do something wrong (Gillis) will tell us but he doesn't have to yell and scream. He knows how to get his point across and the guys listen to him."

Today's game is the lone game of the weekend for the Jacks as their home opener is scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Ector County Coliseum.